RUSTON, La. — The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors has donated $293,000 to Louisiana Tech University’s construction engineering technology program, supporting equipment upgrades, student travel and continued program improvements.

The gift was announced during a luncheon hosted Thursday by the College of Engineering and Science, with Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson, Dean Collin Wick, program faculty, legislators and industry representatives in attendance.

“With the $1.4 million renovation of Bogard Hall’s labs completed this summer, our students now have access to modern, state-of-the-art learning spaces,” said Reggie Jeter, director of the construction engineering technology program. “This generous donation from contractors builds on that momentum.”

Wick said investments in the program have helped drive record enrollment while expanding experiential learning opportunities.

In recent years, contributions have enabled students to attend national conferences including the North American Society for Trenchless Technology’s No-Dig Show, the Utility Construction Technology Conference and the Associated General Contractors of America Conference.

“The Louisiana Contractor Licensing Board’s contribution to Tech’s construction engineering technology program reflects the industry’s dedication to strengthening Louisiana’s future workforce,” said Ken Naquin, retired chief executive officer of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors. “We depend on these nationally certified programs to produce the next wave of skilled professionals.”

Louisiana Tech’s construction engineering technology program prepares graduates for roles in construction management, quality control, building inspection, cost estimation, entrepreneurship and surveying.